NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, February 22 (game #987)

NYT Connections Hints and Answers for Game #987 (February 22, 2026)

Good morning, word puzzle enthusiasts! Today’s NYT Connections game is ready to challenge your brain with a fresh set of 16 words to categorize into four groups. If you’re stuck and need some help, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll walk you through the hints, clues, and finally, the answers to today’s puzzle.

What is NYT Connections?
NYT Connections is one of the New York Times’ popular word games that tasks players with grouping 16 seemingly unrelated words into four categories of four words each. The game features four difficulty levels indicated by colors: yellow (easiest), green, blue, and purple (most challenging). Players have four attempts to guess correctly, making it both challenging and forgiving.

Today’s Words (Game #987)
The 16 words for today’s puzzle are:
– OUTCAST
– SALT-AND-PEPPER
– BLONDIE
– TEDDY BEAR
– DISTINGUISHED
– BLACK SHEEP
– ROUGH RIDERS
– THE FAR SIDE
– BULL MOOSE
– BLOOM COUNTY
– SILVER
– PEANUTS
– MISFIT
– FLECKED
– REJECT
– BIG STICK

Group Hints
Need a little nudge in the right direction? Here are some clues for each category:

YELLOW (Easiest): Outsiders
GREEN: Fading mane
BLUE: Retro cartoons
PURPLE (Hardest): The 26th president

Group Answers
Still struggling? Here are the four categories with their answers:

YELLOW: ONE WHO DOESN’T FIT IN
– BLACK SHEEP
– MISFIT
– OUTCAST
– REJECT

GREEN: DESCRIPTORS FOR GRAYING HAIR
– DISTINGUISHED
– FLECKED
– SALT-AND-PEPPER
– SILVER

BLUE: CLASSIC COMIC STRIPS
– BLONDIE
– BLOOM COUNTY
– PEANUTS
– THE FAR SIDE

PURPLE: ASSOCIATED WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT
– BIG STICK
– BULL MOOSE
– ROUGH RIDERS
– TEDDY BEAR

Game Analysis
Today’s puzzle was rated as “Easy” by our reviewer, who managed to solve it perfectly. The classic comic strips category was particularly straightforward, with recognizable names like PEANUTS and THE FAR SIDE standing out immediately. The graying hair descriptors also formed an obvious connection once you spotted terms like SALT-AND-PEPPER and SILVER.

The Theodore Roosevelt category proved more challenging, requiring knowledge of American presidential history. Terms like “Big Stick” (referring to Roosevelt’s foreign policy), “Bull Moose” (his Progressive Party), “Rough Riders” (his cavalry unit), and “Teddy Bear” (named after him) all connect to the 26th president.

Yesterday’s Answers (Game #986)
For those catching up, yesterday’s categories were:
– EXPERIENCE (BACKGROUND, HISTORY, LIFE, PAST)
– ATTENDANCE STATUS (ABSENT, EXCUSED, LATE, PRESENT)
– COMMENTARY ABOUT YOUR CONNECTIONS RESULTS (GREAT, PERFECT, PHEW, SOLID)
– CAR BRANDS PLUS TWO LETTERS (AUDITS, DODGERS, INFINITIVE, MINION)

Why NYT Connections is So Addictive
NYT Connections has quickly become a daily ritual for many puzzle enthusiasts. Unlike Wordle’s single-word challenge, Connections offers variety with its multiple categories and the satisfaction of finding patterns across different themes. The color-coded difficulty system also provides a clear progression path, making each successful solve feel rewarding.

The game’s appeal lies in its balance of accessibility and challenge. While some categories are straightforward, others require lateral thinking or specific knowledge, ensuring that every puzzle feels fresh and engaging. Plus, with only four guesses allowed, each decision carries weight, adding tension to the gameplay.

Tips for Solving Connections
– Start with the most obvious connections first
– Look for both literal and figurative meanings
– Consider historical, cultural, and pop culture references
– Don’t be afraid to make educated guesses
– Use the process of elimination for the final category

Whether you solved today’s puzzle or needed a little help, NYT Connections continues to be a delightful way to exercise your brain and expand your knowledge across various topics. Check back tomorrow for more hints and answers!

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